Essential OHS Strategies for a Healthier, Safer Environment

With rising COVID-19 cases and the ongoing challenges of a multi-demic—comprising threats such as Monkeypox, Influenza A, and the Super Flu—businesses must rethink their Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) strategies. The responsibility to safeguard employees and create a healthier, more hygienic work environment has never been more urgent.

Recent studies have highlighted key measures businesses should implement to break the cycle of sickness and create a safer, healthier workplace.

Best Practices for Ensuring Compliance with OHS Standards:

Establish a Comprehensive Risk Management Plan

A solid risk management strategy should:

• Assess the workplace for hygiene vulnerabilities related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

• Identify high-risk areas prone to virus exposure.

• Implement robust hygiene control measures tailored to evolving workplace risks, including customer interactions, high-demand workloads, and isolated work environments.

  
  

Provide Essential Hygiene Facilities

Ensuring that staff and customers have access to proper hygiene facilities is key. Businesses should adopt a Hygiene 360° approach, covering:

• Air Quality: Use air purifiers with HEPA 13 or 14 medical-grade filters, ensuring at least 99.95% efficiency—ideally 99.9999%. Regular maintenance is essential.

• Hand Hygiene: Provide hand sanitizers in accessible locations, including entry and exit points.

• Surface Cleaning: Maintain strict surface hygiene with high-grade disinfectants and accessible surface wipes.

• Washroom Facilities: Ensure restrooms are well-stocked with soap, water, and single-use paper towels. Invest in UVC hand dryers with HEPA 13 filters that eliminate 99.9% of viruses.

Additional Safety Measures to Consider

• Increase access to handwashing stations, change rooms, and dining areas to prevent overcrowding.

• Provide face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers in key areas.

Implement an Effective Management Plan

Every business should assess:

• The severity of the risk posed by workplace exposure.

• The effectiveness of existing control measures.

• The necessary actions to mitigate risks.

• The urgency of implementing safety measures.

By proactively addressing these concerns, businesses can ensure compliance with OHS regulations while fostering a healthier, safer, and more resilient workplace.

Contact Us Today

Southern Hygiene Services is a leading provider of air, hand, surface, and washroom hygiene solutions. We continuously innovate to meet the hygiene needs of businesses and commercial environments. Get in touch today at +64220921965 for a Free On-Premises Hygiene Audit.